Travelling into the wilderness can be an amazing, life-changing experience; however, it’s important to remember the basics of fire safety. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or it’s your first time camping, this article will help you understand the dos and don’ts of campfire building, so you can stay safe and have an enjoyable time in nature.
1. Wise Up on Wildfire Safety — Campfire Do’s and Don’ts
With wildfires becoming an ever-growing threat, it is important to be knowledgeable on how to safely use flames outdoors. When camping or just having a day-trip in nature, knowing what to do when lighting a fire and what to watch out for will enable you and your companions to enjoy the experience safely.
Do: Have an expert around to assess the safety of your fire. Make sure you have a bucket of water and a shovel available in case of emergency. Use existing fire rings or pits if available. Familiarize yourself with the burning regulations in the region you are visiting.
Don’t:
- Ignore fire bans and regulations.
- Leave fires burning unattended.
- Light fires where it is not appropriate to do so.
It is important to always double-check the status of your fire, and to make sure it is thoroughly doused with water and the ashes properly disposed of once the fire is over. Never leave anything flammable close to the fire and steer clear of pollen, leaves, or woods with a coating of petroleum or tar. And of course, dispose of all combustion materials (cigarette butts, etc.) properly.
With some common sense and awareness, you can enjoy a safe and magical moment surrounded by flames in the outdoors. Always be responsible and be vigilant about safety – and don’t forget to roast a marshmallow or two!
2. Don’t Play with Fire: The Essential Campfire Do’s
Safety First
Camping and a campfire are a perfect combination in any outdoor adventure. Even with all the fun that a campfire can bring, it is very important to remember to always practice fire safety first. Following these essential do’s can help you have a safe and enjoyable campfire experience.
Do:
- Check the weather forecast; make sure that fire danger is low to moderate.
- Make sure that all campfires are built in an appropriate area, away from tents, trees and other flammable objects.
- Check for any local fire restrictions.
- Build the fire on mineral soil, and not on organic material such as grass or on dunes.
- If allowed, keep a pail of water and a shovel handy in case your fire gets out of control.
Keep It Small
It is best to keep campfires small and manageable. Campfires do not need to be larger than what can be seen; otherwise, they can become uncontrollable. To help keep your campfire manageable, make sure to:
- Use only dry wood and newspaper; never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to light the fire.
- Build a tipi-style campfire if possible.
- Keep the fire small and manageable, no larger than your waist.
Keep it Covered
The most important rule of fire safety that should never be forgotten is to never leave your fire unattended. Always make sure to close the fire before you leave camp; a fire can easily ignite nearby materials if it is left alone. To make sure it’s truly out:
- Surround the fire with plenty of dirt or sand until the fire is cold to the touch.
- Soak all embers and wood thoroughly with water.
- Make sure all materials have been burned down to ash (never leave a partially burned log behind).
3. Breaking the Rules of the Flame: The Campfire Don’ts You Need to Know
Campfires may look like a spot for roasting sausage and singing classic campfire songs, but even these easy and safe activities can end in disaster if necessary safety precautions aren’t taken. Keep your campfire fun, not dangerous; read on for the top three campfire don’ts.
1. Don’t Pitch Your Tent Too Close
You’re excited to have a campfire and singing session with your friends, so it’s tempting to set your tent up as close to the fire as possible. Don’t make this mistake! Embers can blow from the campfire to your tent and set it on fire, and the intense heat can be harmful to your and your partners. Set up your campsite at least 20 meters away from the campfire before you spark up the flames.
2. Don’t Add Fuel to the Fire
If you want to keep the flames burning at your campsite, it may be tempting to stack up wood and let the blaze fly. While this may seem like the best course of action, it’s actually one of the worst. When you add fuel to an existing campfire, you increase the intensity of the heat and risk creating a massive and dangerous blaze that could cause widespread destruction. Whenever possible, avoid adding fuel to the fire – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Don’t Leave the Flame Unattended
It’s natural to want to take pictures and explore the natural surroundings near your campsite, but make sure you stay close to the campfire while it’s in use. You may think the flames are dying down, but they could reignite and cause destruction if left unattended. Furthermore, you put yourself and others at risk if you’re near a fire and not watching it.
Taking the right precautions when engaging with a campfire will make it an enjoyable and safe activity for everyone. Remember these don’ts and prevent a potential disaster:
- Don’t pitch your tent too close
- Don’t add fuel to the flame
- Don’t leave the flame unattended
Wilderness areas are a beautiful part of life, and the best way to enjoy them is to be aware of the risks they can present. Following these campfire do’s and don’ts will help you stay safe and enjoy the beauty of nature responsibly. So forget your worries, and don’t forget the marshmallows – a campfire adventure awaits!